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imaginative

adjective

i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
Definition of imaginativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imaginative Both of France’s sons seem to appreciate imaginative play over messing around with action figures, something that makes perfect sense given France’s own love for the arts. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 One of the great melodists of the rock era taking up bass, however, gave us dozens of richly imaginative and memorable basslines. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026 Researchers who studied milk from cockroaches and analyzed soil health using underwear received Ig Nobel prizes celebrating unusual and imaginative contributions to science. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 One of the most imaginative wrinkles in the staging is one the average viewer might not even be noticing, or at least thinking much about. — Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
  1. inventive
  2. innovative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • Can’t wait to gaze at the A-listers’ head-turning dresses, inventive accessory equations, and soaring footwear choices?
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • An inventive offense loaded with playmakers, paired with an undertalented turnstile defense.
    — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • But mindless problem-solving with an AI bandage will not create truly distinctive, or even truly innovative, organizations.
    — Robbie Morrison, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Both were in their thirties, and saw themselves as innovative leaders cutting through hidebound bureaucracies.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Mercury opposes imaginative Neptune, bringing plenty of creative energy but less agreement about the details.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Glen possesses a rare ability to fuse a world-class creative sensibility with sharp strategic thinking, all driven by a genuine love of cinema.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • But the clever props design (Bruce Dickinson and Anna Kraus) fills in any shoestring gaps.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Mathematicians have cooked up all sorts of clever error-correcting codes (not all based on sphere packing) for varied applications.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Leaders on this path are using AI to increase the capabilities of their marketing teams and expand what talented people can accomplish.
    — George Couris, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Sanders and his roster of talented bartenders were serving cocktails with peach and dill foams and Thai chili garnishes, and attracting curious customers who traveled from all over the metro area just to get a seat at one of these intimate bars.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

imagination
imaginative
imaginativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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